Mrs. Carole Lou Webber, 85, of Knoxville, Illinois, passed away at 11:08 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 12, 2026, at the Knox County Nursing Home in Knoxville.
She was born March 10, 1940, in Galesburg, Illinois, the daughter of George M. and Norma L. (Cutshaw) Tuthill. She married William C. “Bud” Webber on April 4, 1964, in Knox County, Illinois, and together they shared 61 years of marriage.
Surviving is her loving husband, Bud Webber of Galesburg; one son, William “Jeff” (and Michelle) Webber of Galesburg; one daughter, Lori (and Rick) Mathews of East Galesburg; one brother, Mike (and Karen) Tuthill of Knoxville; four grandchildren, Zeke (and Jessica) Webber, Brody Mathews, Sarah Mathews, and Gwen Mathews, and two great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents and three sisters, Dottie L. Levall, Mary Jo Miller, and Bonnie Hahn.
Carole graduated from Knoxville High School in 1958. She went on to attend Graham Nursing School in Canton, Illinois, earning her Registered Nursing degree. Carole faithfully served as a registered nurse at Galesburg Cottage Hospital for 41 years, caring for patients on the floor, in the medical surgical department floor, and the hemodialysis unit. She retired from nursing in 2016. Nursing was more than a profession to Carole—it was her calling, and she deeply loved caring for others. Many knew her to be a strong-willed, self-sufficient, and private person, but even more knew her as someone kind, thoughtful, and occasionally ornery. Outside of nursing, she had a deep love for birds and flowers; her garden was kept colorful and musical up until she could no longer care for it herself.
She was a member of Radiant Worship Center, formerly Open Bible Church, in Galesburg since 1983.
Visitation will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 19, 2026, at Hinchliff-Pearson-West Funeral Directors and Cremation Services Galesburg Chapel. A private graveside service will be held on Friday, Feb. 20, 2026, at Knoxville Cemetery.
Memorials may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or the American Alzheimer’s Association. Online condolences may be shared at www.h-p-w.com.